Vibe » Margaret Francoishttp://www.vibe.com
Just another WordPress siteTue, 03 Mar 2015 22:43:10 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.05 Reasons We Love: Moroccan Oilhttp://www.vibe.com/2011/11/5-reasons-we-love-moroccan-oil/
http://www.vibe.com/2011/11/5-reasons-we-love-moroccan-oil/#commentsMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:05:50 +0000http://www.vibevixen.com/?p=12208Dry, brittle hair is an absolute beauty faux pas. However, finding a product that will moisturize your hair without weighing it down was almost impossible. That is, until I discovered Moroccan Oil.

This alcohol and sulfate-free line consists of shampoo, conditioner creams, spray and recovery masks, giving you a hodgepodge of do-it-yourself salon quality products at home.

After incorporating it into my haircare routine, my hair has never looked better and healthier. Here are five reasons why you must get your hands on the brand:

1. It Was Created With Your Hair In Mind
The signature ingredient in all of the products is argan oil, which is nutrient-rich and only grows in Southwest Morocco. Historically, Moroccan women used argan oil for hair and skin protection from the sun. It is a powerful antioxidant that provides UV protection to hair and is full of vitamins that hair craves which results in improved strength and elasticity.

2. You’ll Get Instant Results
It’s a pet peeve of mine to buy a product that promises results but leaves me with hair in the same state or even worse after a few uses. That’s not the case with these products. They’re formulated to instantly absorb into hair, which decreases drying time while strengthening and repairing it with a frizz-free finish.

]]>http://www.vibe.com/2011/11/5-reasons-we-love-moroccan-oil/feed/0Stretch Marks: How To Make Them Disappear for Goodhttp://www.vibe.com/2011/08/stretch-marks-how-to-make-them-disappear-for-good/
http://www.vibe.com/2011/08/stretch-marks-how-to-make-them-disappear-for-good/#commentsThu, 04 Aug 2011 15:21:07 +0000http://www.vibevixen.com/?p=5016 I remember the first time I saw a stretch mark on my body. I was about 13 years old. My older sister and I were taking a dip in the pool, and she noticed them. “Oh, so you have stretch marks, too,” she said as she pointed to the top of my chest.

I asked her what they were and what it meant, and she explained that it was a result of my skin stretching to fit my growing body. She also told me not to stress about it because all of my sisters had them (there are 5 of us), so we could blame genetics. From that moment forward that I became self-conscious about this apparent “flaw,” in my physique, which I finally embraced during my college years.

According to a recent study nearly 90 percent of women have had an encounter with stretch marks. Genetics play a role as doctors say that if your mother had them, it’s likely that you will too.

There are also causes such as rapid weight gain and rapid weight loss that also lead to them. The most common time they appear is during pregnancy and those adolescent teen years when growth spurts occur.

They are most common during pregnancy and the teen years when growth spurts and increased levels of steroid hormones occur. Whether you’re a new mommy, or flaunting a thinner, or more voluptuous figure, here are a few tips to help you combat stretch marks.

1. Keep skin moisturized

Even if you don’t have stretch marks, taking preventative methods can be the difference between you developing them or avoiding them all together. The more hydrated skin is, the more elasticity it will have. Lather on a lotion or cream with ingredients such as cocoa butter or shea butter concentrating on the breasts, hips, belly and buttocks.

2. Look for products with key ingredients

Not every item on store shelves can really get the job done when it comes to removing stretch marks, but there are some good old fashioned ingredients that can help diminish the appearance of stretch marks. Wheat germ oil is known as a home remedy that lightens the appearance of stretch marks if used in the early stages. Vitamins A C & E should be your best friend because they all increase skin’s elasticity and moisturize skin to lock in much-needed moisture. Vitamin C helps increase collagen production, and when mixed with glycolic acid can yield great results.

3. Treat them as soon as you spot them

The best time to take action against stretch marks is the first time you notice them. The sooner they’re treated, the more likely they are to respond to treatment.

4. Be patient

While you want to get rid of your stretch marks in time for next week’s vacation, it’s important set realistic goals. Depending on the severity and age of your stretch marks, progress could take months or even up to a year before you really see change. I’ve heard many women who have successfully treated their stretch marks say that their #1 advice is to remain patient and to consistently treat them for the best results.

5. Go see a doctor

If you just can’t stand the sight of stretch marks on your body, then you might want to visit your dermatologist to see if there are any medical treatments you can try. Laser therapy is a is a very popular option that many women turn to post-pregnancy to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and heal skin. Microdermabrasion is a procedure where the top-most layer of skin is removed by chemical or mechanical means. Endermologie is a machine that massages skin to increase circulation and expel toxins. See your dermatologist for the latest information on these methods.

]]>http://www.vibe.com/2011/08/stretch-marks-how-to-make-them-disappear-for-good/feed/0Fitness Fab: 5 Moves For A Toned Tummyhttp://www.vibe.com/2011/07/fitness-fab-5-moves-for-a-toned-tummy/
http://www.vibe.com/2011/07/fitness-fab-5-moves-for-a-toned-tummy/#commentsFri, 29 Jul 2011 18:40:30 +0000http://www.vibevixen.com/?p=4561I’m one of those people who believes that ab season is a year-round thing, but the recent sweltering, heat-wave inducing temperatures have provided the perfect backdrop for midriff-bearing tanks and bikinis. What better accessory to accompany these trendy Summer fashion staples than a toned tummy? Here are my favorite moves that if paired with a well-balanced diet can take your stomach from flab to fab:
(Note: Do 2 sets of 10 for each move in this order 2 to 3 times per week.)

Pike Kicks
You don’t have to lie down to work your abs! Some moves are more comfortable and effective, if done standing up. Pike kicks are an awesome move that that looks like you’re folding your body in half at the height of your waist. Stand with your feet together and extended both hands above your head. Lift your right foot from the ground and simultaneously lower your right had and touch your toe. Alternate to your left side and return to start. Repeat.

Knee-Cross Crunch
Facing forward, stand with your shoulders in line with your hips and feet a little wider than hip-width apart. Point your left toe and extend your right arm up. Next, lower your right elbow and bring it across your chest toward your left knee while simultaneously raising your left knee and bringing it toward your right elbow. You want them to meet in the middle of your abdominal area near the belly button. Return to start.

Long-Lever Crunch
A move that relies on a stability ball for maximum results is doing a crunch on the ball. Lie face-up with your back centered on a stability ball with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart; make sure your hips are even with your torso. Extend your arms, so that they are parallel to your head with your fingers interlocked. Squeeze your butt and crunch up as for as you can bringing your arms with you and lower.

Plank on a ball
This is a go-to move that can help reshape your entire body, especially the core. Kneel in front of a stability ball and place your forearms on top of it with your hands in soft fists. Take y our feet back and keep your body straight from head to heels. Focus on keeping your body as straight as possible and squeezing both your abs and your glutes tight at the same time. Hold this move for 45-60 seconds, rest and do it again.

Push ups
Yes, push-ups work your arms, chest and shoulders, but believe it or not, they’re also an awesome exercise to engage your core and help you build strong abdominal muscles. Form is key when it comes to doing an effective push-up. Kneel on your hands and knew, and place you hands under your shoulders and widen your hands about two inches. Next, bend your elbows slightly and extend your legs behind you and lift unto your toes. Tighten your ab muscles (pull your bellybutton in toward your spine) and lower your chest toward the floor, bending your elbows as you lower yourself. You can balance yourself on your knees it’s too hard to balance on your toes.

Ab blasting fitness activity to try:

Bicycling
Cycling is my favorite fitness activity. Every time you lift your knees your abs are going to work, so why not go for a 30 minute bike ride and take in some fresh air while zapping away belly fat. If you don’t own a bike, but have a gym membership take a spinning class. Although, they can be a little intense these are a quick and effective way to see a flatter stomach, tight, round bum and amazing leg.